The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1887-03-30
BRECKENRIDGE AND BENJAMIN.
How the Two Men Made Their Escape
from the Country

In the summer Of 1875 met Gen. Brock
enridEc in Richmond. and one Sunday
afternoon We were sitting alone In front
of the Ballard hotel. asked him, If not
unpleasant, il would be gratifying to have
him give an account of his escape after the
downfall of tie Confederaey, ami how II
occurred that Mr. Benjamin was separated
from him lie replied that he would cheer
fully do 20, and said that after following
Mr.. DAVIS some distance on the retreat he
became satisfied that Mr. Davis had
selected the most dangerous route, and 10
continue under his guidance, which he
persisted in, capture would be certain and
inevitable. Il decided to pursue u differ
ent course, and. taking with me some
trTIsty men and a few as possible, LETT
Mr. Davis and his escort and struck on
for the Florida coast Soon afterward
Mr.. Davis, as 1 predicted, was captured
I met with some soldiers of the Federal
army. They did not recognize me, and
nothing specially occurred TO cause me 10
apprehend my arrest or safety | passed
a squad OF them in a gallop, but no demon
stration was made against me, nor did
they seem To lie aware who 1 was.
lie then said: Having been familiar in
early life to hunt and travel in the night
in Kentucky, recalled the experience OF
nv youth and adapted myself to change
of circumstances, travelling incOgnlto anu
with few faithful and fearless followers
In a short time with nothing specially
perilous during the journey, we reached
the coast in safety We then procured
small boat and a supply of provisions,
which were easily obtained, as was sup
piled with some gold, and with small
pocket compass which | always carried
with me- and with j. Taylor Wood and
two others in an open boat we started for
the coast of Cuba. In two days and three
nights of the most delightful and propi-
tious weather we landed within one mile OF
the island, our only guide being my pocket
compass. Capt. Wood fell overheard dur
ing the voyage, but was soon hauled H.
and was not the least disconnected or
alarmed. He was one of the brayest of
men After reaching Cuba found
friends and accommodations; remained
there a brief time and then went to Paris
and back eventually to Canada The bal
ance you are no doubt familiar with.
.sWhere was Mr.. Benjamin" / asked.
He remained with me only a day after
leaving Mr. Davis. He was aremarkable
man, could adapt himself to any society
or circumstances; could speak French,
German and other languages fiuently- He
Travelled through the country as Jew
merchant and sailed from Charleston, so
learned"
made "a memorandum of this CONVEX
sation at the time and this is a verbatim
report.
Gen breckenridge was exceedingly
pleasant and courteous during the CONVEX
sation, but increasing age, disappointed
hopes and his varied experiences in life
have plainly changed his appearance from
the well proportioned and erect physical
manhood and handsome and striking
physiognomy which excited my admira-
ton when college student in Washing
ton city in 1858, where l often saw him
preside with such splendid ability and
courtly bearing as vice-president over the
United States senate-Thomas ID. lief
fres, in Philadelphia Times.